The Gigantic Ukrainian Weapon that is Making Putin Explode with Anger
The war in Ukraine has been raging for more than a year, with no sign of a peaceful resolution. The Russian invasion of 2022 has sparked a fierce resistance from the Ukrainian army and its allies, who are determined to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Among the weapons that have been deployed to the front lines, one stands out for its sheer power and versatility: the Nexter CAESAR self-propelled howitzer.
The CAESAR, which stands for Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie (Truck equipped with an artillery system), is a French-made 155 mm, 52-caliber gun mounted on a 6x6 or 8x8 truck chassis. It can fire a range of ammunition, including high-explosive, smoke, illumination, smart, and rocket-assisted shells, with a maximum range of over 55 kilometers. It can also fire six rounds per minute, and move quickly to avoid counter-battery fire. It has a crew of five or six, and can be transported by air, sea, or land.
The CAESAR was first developed in the 1990s by Nexter Systems, formerly known as GIAT Industries, in cooperation with Lohr Industrie. It entered service with the French army in 2008, and has since been exported to several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Thailand, Denmark, and Lebanon. It has also seen combat in various conflicts, such as the War in Afghanistan, the Cambodian–Thai border stand-off, the Operation Serval in Mali, the Operation Chammal in Iraq and Syria, and the Battle of Mosul.
However, the most challenging and crucial test for the CAESAR came in 2023, when France decided to send 12 units of the 6x6 version to Ukraine, as part of a military aid package to support the Ukrainian army against the Russian aggression. The CAESARs were deployed to the eastern and southern fronts, where they provided fire support to the Ukrainian troops and their allies. They also demonstrated their mobility and survivability, by changing positions frequently and avoiding enemy detection and attacks.
The CAESARs proved to be a game-changer in the war, as they were able to strike Russian targets with precision and effectiveness, causing significant damage and casualties. They also boosted the morale and confidence of the Ukrainian soldiers, who felt that they had a powerful ally on their side. The CAESARs also attracted the attention and admiration of other militaries around the world, who were impressed by their performance and capabilities.
On the other hand, the CAESARs also provoked the anger and frustration of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who saw them as a threat to his ambitions and plans. Putin reportedly ordered his forces to destroy the CAESARs at all costs, and even threatened to use nuclear weapons if necessary. However, his attempts were unsuccessful, as the CAESARs managed to evade and counter the Russian attacks, and continued to inflict heavy losses on the Russian army.
The CAESARs have shown that they are not only a formidable weapon, but also a symbol of resistance and solidarity. They have demonstrated that Ukraine is not alone in its fight for freedom and democracy, and that France and other countries are willing to stand by its side. They have also shown that Putin’s aggression and expansionism will not go unpunished, and that he will face a strong and determined opposition. The CAESARs have made Putin explode with anger, but they have also made Ukraine and its allies proud and hopeful.
